Marine sediments support complex interactions between macro-and microorganisms that have global implications for carbon and nutrient cycles. What is the state of the science on such interactions from coastal and estuarine environments to the deep sea? How does such knowledge effect environmental management? And what does future research hold in store for scientists, engineers, resource managers, and educators?Interactions between Macro- and Microorganisms in Marine Sediments responds to these questions, and more, by focusing on:? Interactions between plants, microorganisms, and marine sediment? Interactions between animals, microorganisms, and marine sediment? Interactions between macro- and microorganisms and the structuring of benthic communities? Impact of macrobenthic activity on microbially-mediated geochemical cycles in sediments? Conceptual and numeric models of diagenesis that incorporate interactions between macro- and microorganismsHere is an authoritative overview of the research, experimentation and modeling approaches now in use in our rapidly evolving understanding of life in marine sediments.

In recent years there has been an effort to include the effects of biotic, as well as abiotic variables, in studies of ecosystem function. In marine benthic systems, numerous studies have identified a link between bioturbation and ecosystem function, the nature of which varies with invertebrate species identity, diversity, behaviour, environmental context and other traits. Despite clear links between invertebrate activity, ecosystem function and the biogeochemical properties of sediments that have been well documented over a number of years, relatively little is known about the mechanisms by which microbially mediated processes are affected by invertebrates. Without this knowledge, the variations in ecosystem function observed under different conditions cannot be explained and the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem function cannot be fully understood. Nitrogen cycling is of particular interest since in marine systems primary productivity is often limited by N availability and nitrogen also interacts with other nutrient cycles.

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Coastal and Estuarine Studies, Volume 60. Interactions between macroorganisms (benthic fauna and macrophytes) and the biogeo-chemistry and microbiology of aquatic sediments have proved essential for the functioning of most benthic marine ecosystems. While our knowledge of the biogeochemical consequences of macrobiological activity has grown considerably during the last two decades, the feedback mechanisms and physicochemical forces controlling the abundance and diversity of benthic animals and plants still elude definitive analysis. In order to clarify the state of the science and provide a framework for future research, we present in this volume a synthesis of latest developments in research on interactions between animals, plants, and microorganisms in marine sedimentary environments (including intertidal areas, continental shelves, deep-sea sediments, and cold seeps). Of particular importance are the new experimental (field studies, laboratory experiments) and theoretical (modeling) approaches, which we also discuss.

This accessible textbook provides an ideal point of entry into the field, providing basic information on the nature of soft-sediment ecosystems, examples of how and why we research them, the new questions these studies inspire, and the applications that ultimately benefit society.

Since research on meiobenthos was last compiled in a textbook (2008/2009), the number of theoretical and applied studies has been growing rapidly. Supported by new methods and digital evaluation, meiobenthology has developed into a wide field, with more and more researchers studying cross-disciplinary aspects. New perspectives were summarized in a booklet (2019) to draw attention to promising research directions. The present book, written by leading experts, is a compilation of new thinking, data, methods and approaches in many relevant fields of recent meiobenthos research. The topics addressed range from bacteria and biofilms to globally changing processes, from polar regions to the deep-sea and from freshwater ecosystems to the ocean. So, this book is not simply another meiobenthos textbook - it is an attempt to identify new horizons in meiobenthos research, driven by the vision of advancing knowledge and understanding of benthic ecosystems.

The study of estuaries and coasts has seen enormous growth in recent years, since changes in these areas have a large effect on the food chain, as well as on the physics and chemistry of the ocean. As the coasts and river banks around the world become more densely populated, the pressure on these ecosystems intensifies, putting a new focus on environmental, socio-economic and policy issues. Written by a team of international expert scientists, under the guidance of Chief Editors Eric Wolanski and Donald McClusky, the Treatise on Estuarine and Coastal Science, Ten Volume Set examines topics in depth, and aims to provide a comprehensive scientific resource for all professionals and students in the area of estuarine and coastal science Most up-to-date reference for system-based coastal and estuarine science and management, from the inland watershed to the ocean shelf Chief editors have assembled a world-class team of volume editors and contributing authors Approach focuses on the physical, biological, chemistry, ecosystem, human, ecological and economics processes, to show how to best use multidisciplinary science to ensure earth's sustainability Provides a comprehensive scientific resource for all professionals and students in the area of estuarine and coastal science Features up-to-date chapters covering a full range of topics